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Hi I'm Reed

I'm a lifelong Mormon, a dad, and a grandpa.

About Me

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My name is Reed. I'm from the United States, and have lived in California, Arizona, Utah, Ohio, Montana, and Japan. I'm married, and have seven children and one grandchild. I'm a translator, literary scholar, and humor theorist. My interests are baseball, ice hockey, music, literature, comedy, and philosophy. I have been a member of the Church my entire life. I served a mission in Japan.

Why I am a Mormon

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Although I was raised in the Church, at a certain point in my life I had to follow the same process as any convert to find out for myself. I am a Mormon because I have learned the doctrines and teachings of the Church, have tried to implement those principles in my life, and have asked my Father in Heaven to let me know whether those principles were true or not, and whether the Church had been established by Him.
The answer that I received--an answer that continues to be strengthened as I continue to strive to live the Gospel--is that, yes, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's church, that it is the only church on earth authorized to do His work in His name, to perform necessary ordinances, and to proclaim the fullness of His Gospel to the world.
I am a Mormon because that testimony is deeper and more transcendent than mere physical experience. It is a conviction that can only come through the pure and refining power of the Holy Ghost. It is a testimony that I cannot deny.

How I live my faith

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Currently, I serve as an instructor for Sunday lessons in our Elders quorum (one of the priesthood organizations in the Church). I enjoy teaching because I love to talk about my Savior Jesus Christ, and about his Gospel. Teaching gives me an extra opportunity to study his life and doctrine.
I am also a member of our ward Boy Scout Committee.
In addition to talking about the restored Church and the Gospel with anyone who is interested, I try to find ways to follow Christ's example of service, whether it's helping somebody move or coaching a youth baseball team. I think everyone can follow Christ's example. It doesn't have to be something "big." A smile and a kind word to a cashier or a stranger on the street can be the greatest service that the person needs. If we are willing, our Father in Heaven will use us to help his children wherever we are, with whatever we have. He will even increase our ability to do good. He can even use someone as imperfect as me.

How can I know Mormonism is true?

Reed

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The way to know the truth is the same for people who have been raised in the Church or for people outside the Church. It is important to learn the teachings and think about them, but ultimately the only way to know the truth is to ask God in prayer. It is not necessary nor sufficient to merely believe what someone has told you about the Church. You must go to the source and ask Him.Show moreShow less

Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorse political parties?

Reed

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No, the Church does not endorse specific political parties or candidates.
Not surprisingly, some political stances and philosophies are more in harmony with Church doctrine than others, and some are wholly incompatible with membership in the Church. Some, such as communism and other totalitarian collectivist forms of government that violate the fundamental principle of the agency of the individual, have been clearly condemned by Church leaders.
However, we are not told who to vote for, but are expected to conform under our own volition to Church doctrine in our political affiliations and decisions, just as in every other area of life.
The Church does, on rare occasion, become involved in political issues that are deemed to be of such a nature as to be potentially damaging to the work of the Church, to religious liberty, etc.Show moreShow less

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